Fanshawe Career Guide
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Community Pharmacy Assistant RPA1

Level One - 80% theory, 20% laboratory. Level Two - 33% theory, 20% laboratory, 47% field placement.


Moderate Workload

Level One:

  • 7 courses in the first semester
  • 2 hours of study/assignments required for each hour in class
  • 18 hours of class
  • It is expected that you will participate in out of class activities.
 

Level Two:

  • 4 courses in the second semester
  • 2 hours of study/assignments required for each hour in class
  • 13 hours of class/week commitment
  • 150 hours of community placement

Holland Code: C (Conventional)

What academic skills do I need to be successful in the program?

This list does not replace the admission requirements you must have for admission to the program. Please see website for details.

Arts & Literacy Strong written and verbal communication skills are needed.

Math and Science Accuracy with math is required for this program.

Technology Basic computer skills are important (Microsoft Office suite, Internet, checking student portal daily).

What personal qualities should someone interested in this career have?

  • Perform in an ethical manner in working with peers, faculty, health care staff, patients and customers
  • Able to empathize with others
  • The ability to remain calm and handle emergencies
  • The ability to pay close attention to detail
  • Able to make decisions quickly and request assistance/guidance from others as needed
  • Able to multitask
  • A willingness to keep up to date with new products and practices
  • Cooperative/respectful to all members of the health care team
  • Able to take charge in a situation and provide direction to others
  • Able to work as a member of a team
  • Active listening
  • Provide feedback to people
  • Enjoy working with and caring for people
  • Prepared to work with people in vulnerable situations
  • Able to communicate with people across the lifespan
  • Strong time management/prioritization skills

Useful background experience for this program would be

Volunteer or work experience in a community pharmacy (i.e., high school co-op).

What kind of work could I do when I graduate?

Graduates of this program may go on to become a 

Pharmacy assistant.

Places you may find yourself employed include 

Community pharmacies (Shopper's Drug Mart, Pharmasave, Rexall), long term care pharmacies, and specialty compounding/drug preparation pharmacies.

Typical working conditions for this kind of work:

  • May be required to work shifts including evenings, weekends, and holidays

Tasks a graduate may do in the workplace:

  • Assist a Pharmacist and/or Pharmacy Technician in the interpreting, packaging, dispensing and labeling of prescriptions.
  • Perform data base entry, third party billing, inventory control, marketing plan implementation and cash handling processes
  • Compound non-sterile preparations under the supervision of a Pharmacist

Helpful links for further research into this Fanshawe College program and career opportunity

Opportunities for further development or education

NOC Codes

The National Occupation Classification (NOC) system is used by the Canadian government to provide detailed information on careers. Visit the National Occupation Classification website and use the NOC codes below to learn more about careers associated with this Fanshawe College program. Please note: These codes are listed here for information purposes only. Fanshawe College does not guarantee graduates careers in these fields.

  • NOC Code 3414 Other assisting occupations in support of health services

The Canada Job Bank is an excellent resource for labour market information including wages, jobs available and career planning advice.

Career Outlook

Explore Fanshawe Career Coach to learn more about related careers, employment, job postings and current local data on wages.

Take the next step

View our Admissions Timeline to learn the steps and how to apply.

Ready to apply? Apply now!

Last Modified: January 23, 2024